A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels — Volume 03 eBook

Among the many motives which induced the admiral to
settle a colony in this place, he considered that
many might be inclined to go from Spain to settle
in the new discovered country, when it was known that
some persons were already there; he likewise considered
that the caravel which remained could not conveniently
accommodate the crews of both vessels, and the people
he meant to leave were perfectly satisfied with their
lot, being much encouraged by the mildness and affability
of the natives. Likewise, though he had resolved
to carry over some of the Indians, and such other
things worth notice, as had been found in the country,
in testimony of his discovery and its value; he thought
it might add greatly to the reputation of his discoveries,
and be a convincing proof of the excellence of the
country, when it was known that several of his men
had settled there with their own free will.

The fort was surrounded by a ditch, and though built
of wood, was quite sufficient for the defence of its
intended garrison against the natives. It was
finished in ten days, as a great number of men were
employed in its construction. The admiral gave
it the name of La Villa de Navidad, or the
town of the Nativity, because he came to that
port on Christmas day. On the morning of the
29th December, a very young but ingenious lad, who
was nephew to the cacique, came on board the caravel;
and as the admiral was still eager to know whence
the Indians had their gold, he used to ask this question
of every one by signs, and now began to understand
some words of the Indian language. He accordingly
inquired of this youth about the mines, and understood
that he informed him, “That at the distance of
four days journey to the eastwards there were certain
islands, called Guarionex, Macorix, Mayous, Fumay,
Cibao, and Coray, in which there was abundance of
gold.” The admiral wrote down these words
immediately; but it was evident he as yet knew little
of the language, for it was known afterwards that
these places, instead of separate islands, were provinces
or districts in Hispaniola, subject to so many different
lords or caciques. Guarionex was chief of the
vast royal plain, formerly mentioned under the name
of Vega real, one of the wonders of nature,
and the youth meant to say that Cibao, which
abounded in gold, belonged to the dominion of Guarionex.
Macorix was another province, which afforded little
gold. The other names belonged to other provinces,
in which the admiral omitted some letters and added
others, not knowing well how to spell them properly:
and it appeared to him, that the kings brother, who
was present, reproved the lad for telling these names.
At night the cacique sent on board a large gold mask
to the admiral, desiring in return a basin and pitcher,
which were perhaps of brass or pewter, and were immediately
sent to him, it being believed they were wanted as
models by which to make others of gold.